“I’m fascinated by [Britney.] The fact that she’s one of the most talked about – not just pop stars – but people in the world today, means that you’ve got this star power,” Simon said at the time – stressing that he could neither confirm nor deny who he and the show’s producers have spoken with about joining.

Adding, “[Britney] has got resilience. I would think that if she’s managed to sustain a family, a career, which is tough, [‘X Factor’ would be] a walk in the park.”